Wednesday, March 30, 2011

'Rolling in the Deep' Continues to Make Waves

As if ADELE's latest album, 21, holding strong at the top of the charts isn't enough (it's currently at No. 3), artists continue to create their own covers of its lead single "Rolling in the Deep."

The latest to board the let's-cover-ADELE train is none other than Grammy-winner John Legend. Other covers have appeared from Mike Posner (who's coming to the MSU Auditorium Wednesday, April 13) and Young the Giant. Check out all three below.


John Legend - Rolling in the Deep (Adele Cover) by johnlegend

Rolling In The Deep (Adele Cover) by Mike Posner by The Quiet Floor

Young the Giant – Rolling in the Deep (Adele cover) by somesortofmusic

WWEPW: What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear



What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear? is an entire site dedicated to the fashion and style of the GLEE character by the same name, portrayed by actress Jayma Mays.

Of all the characters Emma would not have fallen to the top of our style list ... immediately. That said, for all those loving the preppy style of the character, the site helps you put together and find outfits exactly like those in Mays' wardrobe. If you are or are not a fan of GLEE: enjoy.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Spartan Sensations

Recent projects from students across Michigan State University are making waves on the Internet and we feel it's about time we added to the mix by sharing them with you. Below are three fun creations shot right on campus, great work Spartans!

1. MSU Wants Tosh.0!
This video was uploaded to YouTube just yesterday and has already hit over 1,000 views. Further, The State News has a story in today's issue about the effort, shot just this past weekend as a means to try bringing comedian Daniel Tosh (and Tosh.0) to MSU for a show. The filming was coordinated by MSU student Erin O'Donnell. All other contributors are listed on YouTube. Current view count: 1,262.



2. Lisztomania: MSU Brat Pack Mashup
Created by two professional writing seniors, Nina Elias and Bethany Tomaszewski, the above video is inspired by the original brat pack mashup on YouTube (from avoidantconsumer HERE). A handful of other fabulous Spartans are featured in the vid (set to an awesome song, we might add) paying tribute to John Hughes' The Breakfast Club. Current view count: 2,863.



3. Lady Gaga "Monster" Music Video
This video was, again, envisioned and created by MSU students, led by Brianna Gardner and Andrew Vallentine. The video is a tribute to "Mother Monster" (aka Lady Gaga) and has been listed on YouTube as No. 34-Top Rated (Music) and No. 44-Top Favorited (Music). Current view count: 190,741.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Quote of the Day: March 24

"I figure if you love something so much, you should at least give it a try. And you may end up making a living from it!"

Vanessa Hudgens, actress and singer, on following your dreams to Shape Magazine.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Shatter Craze Continues

If you haven't heard of Shatter, the new, incredibly in-demand, nail polish from OPI's Katy Perry Collection, we're not sure where you've been. For those of you who have (um, it was in our latest issue) we've discovered some exciting news and are bursting to share it.

The following is an announcement from OPI made yesterday (March 22) via its Facebook page: "While Black is hot, it's just not enough. Coming this May, OPI is taking Shatter to a whole new level with the complete Shatter collection. Including colors Black, White, Red, Blue, Turquoise, & Navy you can achieve any look with these earth shattering shades!"

Best of luck to all you polish queens at getting your hands on a few bottles! (We know our staff will be on the lookout.)

OMG, VIM Loves Your Jacket

I Like Your Jacket [dot] COM is probably the most fabulous website we've come across ... ever.

According to the site's creators, the Internet can be a scary place sometimes and we could all use a break from the unwanted stress of it; we couldn't agree more.

I Like Your Jacket exists to make the world a happier place by allowing visitors to read one compliment after another: some anonymous, some from Detroit, some hilarious, all wonderful.

Get complimented HERE.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Quote of the Day: March 22

"My grandmother was probably the first person who I thought was beautiful. She was incredibly stylish, she had big hair, big cars. I was probably 3 years old, but she was like a cartoon character . . . It seemed like she lived in a different world, and wherever that was, I wanted to go."

Tom Ford, fashion designer/director, on beauty to Interview Magazine.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Molding Fashion Into Art: WMATY

WHAT’S MORE ALIVE THAN YOU™ is an incredible Italian shoe/bag/accessory manufacturer that involves both male and female designers from all over the world in the creation of its varying collections, spreading culture and life through creativity. The aim of WMATY products are to appeal to those of us who want our fashionable selves to have a unique, one-of-a-kind look (that also tells a story).

The design pictured above is a creation from Swedish designer Liza Fredrika Åslund (of the project's first selection class). Known as "Recycle Shoes," the ergonomically shaped pumps were hand-made from recycled wood and sheepskin and were worn by Best New Artist Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding (below) at this year's award ceremony.

Enjoy Music at Mealtime?

Well, now you've got the option!

European company Firebox HQ is now offering quite the toaster for sale: the Breville Radio Toaster. This new kitchen appliance brings the radio right to your kitchen AND cooks your breakfast. Talk about multitasking.

Purchase the toaster for around $70 HERE.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Quote of the Day: March 20

"[Dark things are] more interesting than bubblegum and lollipops to me."

Dianna Agron, actress, on her interests/personality to Interview Magazine.

Movie Review: Blue Valentine

Though not exactly a feel-good story of romance, Blue Valentine is a stunning portrayal of the onset and disintegration of a marriage. The story centers around the lives of modern couple Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams) as well as their daughter Frankie (newcomer Faith Wladyka), jumping back-and-forth between how the couple met and where they're at "now." Cindy's only exposure to marriage before her own came from the awful showing that are her own parents, who constantly fought while she was at home, and the input of her grandmother, who reveals that she's not sure she ever loved her husband near the film's beginning — not exactly a promise for a happy ending in this flick. Though the two fall in love and marry (despite the child not being Dean's), the couple can't seem to stay happy despite everything. If you can handle incredibly honest, completely un-sugarcoated flicks, then you're in for two great performances and a wonderful Hollywood story.
Best on-screen moment: Dean and Cindy embark on their first date, resulting in the two learning each other's hidden "talents" (singing and tap dancing).

Friday, March 18, 2011

The Classic Dictionary Gets an Update

Pictured to the right, Green's Dictionary of Slang is a three-volume work compiling the life's work of Jonathon Green, a leading slang lexicographer. The work documents a fascinating era of the English language and is guaranteed to make for an interesting read (and reference).

If you're as intrigued as we are, the collection is available through Amazon.com for $450 here.

Local Hip Hop Artists Talk Music

On Friday, Feb. 25 The Specktators (right) and Green Skeem (below left) performed a double-threat "electrohop" (yes, we did make that up) show at The Landshark in downtown East Lansing for the second time this year. Before the show, VIM was able to speak with the aspiring entertainers. Below is what they had to say.

VIM: How long have you been involved in music and what was it that got you started?
Courtney Rodgers (of Green Skeem): We didn’t begin performing until after spring break of ’09 when we created a song, kind of as a joke. I used to beat box just for fun, so music has always been in my life.
Dan Wiseman (of Green Skeem): Originally we were just doing our own thing and then the two of us teamed up because we had the same fan base (we’re from the same town). I was always more of an athlete, sports guy than musical.
Matt Duda (of Specktators): I started making music way back in my sophomore year of college as an experiment with my roommate, using different kinds of music and vocals. This eventually evolved into the creation of an online mixtape. After a while, I realized my brother can rap better than me so we teamed up and I began to focus more on the production end of things.
Patrick Duda (of Specktators): I was lucky enough to gain interest while I was still in high school, since I’m younger than my brother. Upon graduation, I moved in with [him] and we messed around for about a year and a half.

VIM: What influenced you to lean toward hip-hop in your style as opposed to another genre of music?
CR: Fans of hip-hop seem to be the most accepting of our sound, currently, which is actually more of a mix of the electronic and pop genres, though we really do not have a “genre.”
DW: [Hip-hop] is definitely not even our favorite [type of music]. We really like dubstep, classic rock and techo, but [hip-hop] was something we could do together without having a whole band or playing instruments.
PD: We’re a little different [from Green Skeem] in that hip-hop has always been my personal favorite, while [Matt] kind of turned me on to liking techno as well. I’d have to say our music falls under “electropop,” though we don’t really have a genre.

VIM: Are there any specific artists that have influenced your music?
CR: We typically take a lot from everything, [though] I really like Outkast . . . Andre 3000 is ridiculous.
DW: Everyday experiences are our biggest influences — more events than [specific] people.
MD: Structure-wise we’re influenced by a lot of new [acts] like Chiddy Bang, Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean. Though we do enjoy classics like Kanye West and Eminem, too.

VIM: What kinds of things do you do to prepare for a show like tonight’s?
CR: Often I have a drink or two to loosen, shake the nerves. We [also] usually start the day with [breakfast at] Denny’s.
DW: We’re around each other all the time, chilling at each other’s places [in the days leading up to a show]. It seems like we’ve been together for a really long time.
MD: Because we have such good chemistry, it makes performing not seem like work or a chore. It’s fun.

VIM: Can you tell readers a little bit more about the show.
PD: We are two separate groups, so we started REFS (for Repping Everything Flawless) as a collective. It’s us and everybody that supports us. We want everyone to be a part of our efforts.
MD: We realized that we can’t achieve anything [alone].

VIM: Do you have any advice for students interested in breaking into the music industry?
CR: You have to work. A lot of people think [success] just happens. Especially coming out of East Lansing you have to work twice as hard.
DW: This isn’t our job and we have tons [of other things] going on. That’s the cool thing about being on a college campus — it’s what rap is all about, working and making things happen.
MD: Hip-hop is so popular right now and, in essence, is easy to start up. You really have to grind and work hard.
PD: You have to invest in yourself. I can’t tell you how much money we’ve spent on improving our music. For example, you have to avoid [buying] that new pair of shoes.

VIM: Okay, so this is totally random, but what do you think of Fox’s GLEE?
CR: I saw it once, but [think] it seems so fake.
MD: I think [the idea behind] it is pretty cool but would never watch it regularly.

VIM: Anything else you’d like to add?
CR: We do everything online and all [of] our music can be downloaded for free.
DW: Our first EP is titled Michigan Left and we try to come out with new songs as often as possible.
MD: I learned a lot from being solo about the importance of utilizing online tools. Most importantly that CDs were a big waste of money and that if people want your music, really want it, they’ll find it. It takes you about six months to do a project. We call our philosophy of constantly release music a “Never-ending Mixtape.” If we don’t have a show, people need [ways] to connect with us and now is the time. We’ll be releasing 6–10 new songs next fall.

Check both acts out at The Landshark (again) on Friday, March 25 at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Photography Spotlight: Vs Magazine

We're jumping into the archives a bit here to highlight this 2009 photoshoot, conducted by Ellen von Unwerth, from Vs Magazine. The pics are just too gorgeous and fun not to share (and gush). You can check out the entire spread in the mag's gallery HERE or see our faves below.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Get the Look: Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth is one of our favorite style icons and has truly mastered casual chic. To the right is one of our favorite looks of the actress'. Due to its simplicity, we've provided our picks to help you get Kate's look.

Woven Sweater Textured Balletneck in White Pebble, Ann Taylor, $78
Boyfriend Jean Silver Sam, Buckle, $50
Booties Spur by Corso Como, DSW, $90
Handbag Trim Duffle by Bueno Croc, Target, $40
Sunglasses P-Retro Cat by Ray-Ban, Urban Outfitters, $135

Friday, March 4, 2011

Movie Review: Beastly

High school hot-shot/bully, Kyle (Alex Pettyfer), is exiled upon making a spectacle of classmate Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen) and is forced to reflect on himself and learn to care more about others. Enter Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens) who is destined to teach "the beast" what it means to be selfless. Set to an amazing soundtrack that includes Death Cab's "Transatlanticism" and Jem's "Forever and a Day," Beastly was everything you would expect it to be. The film added a Gothic, artsy, modern (obviously) spin to the classic Disney tale Beauty and the Beast, incorporating a lovely array of characters reminiscent of originals Lumière (Neil Patrick Harris' Will, a blind tutor who made the movie), Mrs. Potts (Lisa Gay Hamilton's Zola, a house maid) and the beautiful enchantress (Olsen — a stellar performance, we might add).
Best on-screen moment: Will and Kyle decide to relieve stress by hitting golf balls off the roof of their "prison," prompting Will to yell "Whassup?!" each time.

Smells Like 'Greed'



The above clip is a newly released short (GREED) by Roman Polanski starring Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams and Academy Award winner Natalie Portman. The video was created as part of the promotional efforts for Francesco Vezzoli's fragrance of the same name.

Snapshot: A History of Music

From Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock" to Alvin & the Chipmunks' "Christmas Don't Be Late" to Del Shannon's "Runaway" to The Beatles' "Paperback Writer" to about one-third of the Now & Then soundtrack, the list goes on...

D.J. Earworm is king of the number-one-singles mashup (he's known for coming up with mashups of five seconds of all the best pop songs each year) but this new compilation track gives him a run for his money, honoring the history of the pop charts with five seconds of every No. 1 single through 1992 (the remainder of song can be fond in the second version, here) — truly a trip down memory lane.

Listen to the clips below.

Five Seconds Of Every #1 Pop Single Part 1 by mjs538

Album Review: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

A fairly short album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans spans only ten tracks but beautifully showcases the amazing vocal talent of veteran producer Bruno Mars. In his full-length drop, Mars seems to channel the sounds of Bob Marley and Jack Johnson, using light acoustic backing and sweet lyrics. The first two singles from the disc — "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade" — have quickly become sensations garnering Mars seven Grammy nominations at the end of 2010. Though Mars may not exactly be doing anything new with this effort, he's doing everything right (and might we add has the ability to make women everywhere swoon with his words) and we can't wait for more. Check him out on tour this summer with Janelle Monae.
Most notable tracks: "Marry You," "The Other Side"

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

ATD Fashion Show

This past Saturday (Feb. 26) we were invited to attend the Annual ATD (Apparel and Textile Design) Fashion Show. The show delivered everything it promised and more, from designs made entirely out of recycled gloves to those made of lottery tickets; each look told a story. Some who attended last year's event (which went by the name of Student Apparel Design Association’s (SADA) Fashion Show) may be wondering what was so different at this year's show. For starters, it was only open to students in the ATD major and each designer was limited to three garments (there was also no theme). Despite these big changes, the department should be proud because they really showcased what the major has to offer and how talented our ATD Spartans are! After the show, we were able to catch board members Tommie Mianecki and Tess Theisen for a Q&A:

VIM: In the past, SADA shows were open to all students. What were some of the factors that played a role in the decision to only hold one fashion show open only to ATD students?
Tommie: We wanted to document and present the talent of the students in this major and have the opportunity to really showcase it.

VIM: Since there is no defined theme, was there an overall message you hope the show conveyed to the audience?
Tess: Each student has such a different mind and design…this was their opportunity to represent themselves. It’s nice not to have to push designers.
Tommie: Our goal was to put on an elegant fashion show but to let the designers tell their own story.

VIM: When do you begin preparing for such a big event?
Tommie: We began planning at the end of August and designs were due before winter break.

VIM: What are some of the things that are looked for in student designers when choosing what designs to feature?
Tess: They [the judges] try to pick your mind behind your design and they want to know that everything about the design has a purpose and a meaning.

VIM: What do you think the student designers benefit from most by participating in this event?
Tess: It’s a chance to feel proud of their hard work and show it off.
Tommie: It’s really exciting to see the final product especially when you know a design in and out…seeing it all come together is really rewarding.

VIM: Is there any advice you would give students who are considering pursuing a future in the fashion industry?
Tommie: Have persistence and work hard!
Tess: You need to love what you’re doing and be ready to put everything you’ve got into the industry.


*NOTE*: The evening's "Best Dress" winner was Rachel Hurley’s
Petal Metal (first two pics from the left). Check out our gallery below for a glimpse of the show.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Hot Jam: Made For You



Actors Isabel Lucas and Lukas Haas have formed the band Lucas/Lukas, releasing their first single "Made For You" through the above video. It's lovely. It's sweet. It's simple.

Thoughts?

Quote of the Day: March 1


"The most valiant thing you can do as an artist is inspire someone else to be creative."

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, actor/entrepreneur, on his website hitRECord.org to Details.